I sailed on a friends Mason 44 for several seasons and was VERY impressed not only by the quality of workmanship but also her sailing performance (cutter rigged sloop). She was very comfortable for two couples. They are a high maintainence boat due to all the teak and brite work. They are also an excellent heavy weather boat. These boats were built by TaShing which is probably the best yard in the orient. In addition PAE does a very nice job with customer satisfaction and follow up and are very interested in maintaing contact with owners. Oftenthey are mistaken for Hinckley''s, but I think that their layout is much better for cruising and much more comfortable. Typically bargains are hard to find in the used market when it comes to Masons. Good Luck

Before I bought a Mason, I''d investigate the lawsuit a few years back that took place in England against Mason w/re: rudder failure in the Southern Ocean. I only recall this little bit, but a considerable amount of information about the boats came out in the articles. Seems as though I read it in Soundings. At least 4 or more years ago. KW

Regarding VIEXILE''s comments you may want to contact PAE directly for additional information (I believe they have a web site).
These people are pretty honest and forthcoming--they also build the NORDHAVEN.
With product liability suits growing every day, probably proportional to the number of law school graduates, I doubt that there are any manufactures or designers who have not been sued. My experience and that of my friends'' with the Masons have all been positive.

There is a Mason 43 in my marina Norfolk VA, I believe an ''82 that may be available at a fairly good price if you''re serious. Boat is owned by an older gent who bought her new, cruised for 10 or so years then parked/lived aboard not sailed since. Boat was hauled last year for new paint etc.
Let me know if interested I can put you in touch.
Fred

That''s right, blame the lawyers that have to argue the individual''s rights to relief in court. You know, once someone engineers something SO wrong that it hurts someone you love, or yourself, let your attorney know that you don''t want to sue the people that have made, and continue to make, millions on the item. Seems to me the Mason lawsuit involved a rudder simply dropping out of the boat. Kewl. Probably the damn boatowner''s fault. How dare the greedy bastard sue?!

VIEXILe, lighten up. The point of my comment is that there are very few companies out there that have not been involved in some kind of product litigation. This does not necessarily condemn the product--it just means you need to do your due diligence and investigate. What''s the old saying "let the buyer beware". PAE just happens to be one of the more responsible as well as responsive companies in the Marine Industry.
By the way, are you a lawyer?

Yup. Lawyer in the Caribbean. I rarely get into these "shark" and "bottom feeder" discussions, typically opting to laugh it off as a layman''s ignorance of the U.S. Constitution (from both criminal and civil standpoints). All well and good until it''s THEM on the receiving end of an injury. It always amazes me. Oh well, tough day in court yesterday. My ire was at a particularly high level. Personally, I''d rather be working on my boat. By the way, I know a lot more sleazy accountants, etc., than lawyers. KW

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